The Arai Tour-X5 is a high-end motorcycle helmet known for its exceptional features and construction. It's a fiberglass composite helmet utilizing Arai's Super-Fiber Shell construction, which is noted for the fine fibers used in their fiberglass composite, providing strength and durability​. This helmet is designed as a trail helmet ideal for mixed-use and occasional off-road adventures. It's a part of the fifth generation of Arai's Touring-Adventure helmets and comes with a complete remodeling for enhanced enjoyment in off-road and on-road adventures​.
All Arai helmets, including the Tour-X5, are manufactured by hand and are primarily focused on protection. They have a smooth, round shape, a key Arai signature designed to 'glance off' and spread impact forces in the event of an accident. The Tour-X5 also meets the new ECE 2206 homologation, currently the strictest standard for motorcycle helmets. This indicates that it has been tested and passed stringent safety tests, ensuring high protection for riders​.
The Arai Tour-X5 is a follow-up to the previous model in the Arai Tour-X series and represents an evolution in design, features, and safety standards. The Tour-X5 maintains the essence of its predecessors, being designed as an adventure helmet suitable for both on-road and off-road use. The Arai Tour-X5 has a few noticeable differences in dimensions compared to its predecessor, the Tour-X4. The Tour-X5 weighs slightly more, measuring 1,736 grams with the peak fitted, as opposed to the Tour-X4's weight of 1,710 grams​. Additionally, the Tour-X5 features a rounder front design, which extends into the visor to create a less pointed shape. This design change has led to an extra 10mm width at the cheeks (5 mm on each side), contributing to a rounder, safer construction and making the helmet easier to put on​.
There is a difference in fit between Arai helmets designed for the Asian/Japanese market and those for the European/US market. Arai recognizes the variance in head shapes across different regions and designs helmets accordingly. Generally, Arai helmets for the North American market have an oval shape orientation, which is longer front-to-back and narrow from side to side. This shape is designed to fit the head shape that is most common in the region. Arai offers different models with slight variations based on this general oval shape to accommodate a wider range of fits​. On the other hand, the Japanese or Asian fit helmets are described as having a round shape. This is in contrast to the oval shape commonly found in US and European models. The round shape of Asian fit helmets is designed to better suit the typical head shapes in Asian populations. However, some European/US motorcycle riders prefer to purchase helmets in Asia because of the difference in head shape. For example, a helmet model that is too narrow in the US version fits perfectly in the Asian version.
Before the purchase of the Large sized X5 in the video (59-60 cm), a Medium size version (57-58 cm) was tested, and both fit snugly to my head, but the most significant difference was how far down on the forehead that the helmet was sitting and the Medium was not covering down all the way to above the eyebrows.
It is suggested to follow the instructions on the Arai webpage for the best fit, even if some motorcycle stores will advocate as tight fit as possible. The price of the Arai X5 in Europe and the US is twice the price it's being sold for in Japan. However, considering the potential risks of buying a misfitting Asian version, the time you will spend in it, and the possible need for warranties, it is probably best to buy the helmet in the region where you are located.
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